Sieving apparatuses for pupae separation

ABSTRACT

A sieving method for separating insect pupae is described. The method may include causing an actuation system of a sieving apparatus to cycle between a first elevation and a second elevation to cyclically submerge a sieve surface of a sieving device in a liquid held within a basin so as to separate a population of insect pupae present in the sieving device with respect to size. The method may also include causing actuation of one or more valves to drain the liquid from the basin in order to retrieve a first part of the population of insect pupae.

PRIOR RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/467,152, filed Mar. 23, 2017, entitled “SIEVING APPARATUSES FOR PUPAESEPARATION”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entiretyherein.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a sieve can be formed of a wire or plastic mesh held in aframe. The sieve can be used for straining solids from liquid or forseparating coarser objects from finer objects.

Among those objects that can be separated are insects. Other devicesshave been designed to separate insects such as a device that includesparallel glass plates. The reasons for separating insects are various.For example, as part of a Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program, maleinsects may be separated from female insects. Depending on the program,separation may be performed at one or more stages of insect development.For example, insects having an aqueous pupal stage may be separatedwhile in the pupal stage.

Use of conventional mesh screens to separate pupae may create challengesgiven the physiological structures of the pupae. Additionally, use ofdevices including parallel glass plates may create challenges giventheir difficulty to operate and required user interaction. Thesechallenges may result in prohibitively low throughput and similarly lowyield.

SUMMARY

Various examples are described relating to sieving devices, systemsincluding the sieving devices, methods for using the sieving devices,and methods for forming the sieving devices.

In an example, an apparatus is described. The apparatus includes aframe, a sieving device, a basin, and an actuation system. The sievingdevice includes a sieve surface including a first side and a second sideand defining a set of openings to define a set of pathways extendingbetween the first side and the second side. Individual openings of theset of openings are defined by a length dimension measured along alongitudinal axis of the respective opening, and a width dimensionmeasured along a transverse axis of the respective opening. The widthdimension corresponds to a cephalothorax width of a mosquito. The lengthdimension is greater than the width dimension. The sieving device alsoincludes a sieve rim including a first wall defining a volume. The sievesurface is attached to a lower portion of an interior surface of thesieve rim and one side of the sieve surface is exposed within thevolume. The basin is attached to the frame and includes a wall and abottom. The wall is attached to the bottom so as to define an openingopposite the bottom. The basin is sized to receive the sieving deviceand to retain a liquid. The actuation system is attached to the frameand the sieving device. The actuation system is configured to move thesieving device along a substantially vertical lifting axis between afirst position within the basin and a second position within the basin.The second position is different than the first position. Moving thesieving device along the substantially vertical lifting axis between thefirst and second position is configured to separate a population ofmosquitos within the liquid based on cephalothorax size.

In another example, an apparatus is described. The apparatus anapparatus includes a frame, a sieving device, a basin, and an actuationsystem. The sieving device includes a sieve surface including a firstside and a second side. A set of elongate openings is formed in thesieve surface. The sieving device also includes a sieve rim attached tothe sieve surface. The sieve firm forms a wall portion of the sievingdevice, with the sieve surface forming a bottom portion of the sievingdevice. The basin is attached to the frame. The basin is sized toreceive the sieving device and to retain a liquid. The actuation systemis attached to the frame and the sieving device. The actuation system isconfigured to move the sieving device along a lifting axis between afirst position within the basin and a second position within the basin.The first position is different than the second position. Moving thesieving device along the lifting axis between the first position and thesecond position separates a population of insects present in the liquidbased on cephalothorax width.

In yet another example, a computer-implemented method is described. Themethod includes instructing addition of a population of mosquito pupaeto a sieving device. The sieving device is at least partially submergedin a water held within a first basin. The method also includes causing alifting actuator that is attached to the sieving device to cycle betweena first elevation and a second elevation so as to cyclically submerge asieve surface of the sieving device in the water held within the firstbasin. The population of mosquito pupae is separated into a first groupof mosquito pupae and a second group of mosquito pupae based at least inpart on the cycling. The method also includes causing a valve to open todrain the water from the first basin. The first group of mosquito pupaeis disposed in the water. The method also includes causing a lateralactuator that is attached to the sieving device to move the sievingdevice from a first position adjacent to the first basin to a secondposition adjacent to a second basin. The second group of mosquito pupaeis disposed in the sieving device. The method also includes, when thesieving device is at the second position, causing a rotational actuatorto rotate the sieving device about a rotational axis between a firstorientation and a second orientation. The method also includes, when thesieving device is in the second orientation, instructing removal of thesecond group of mosquito pupae from the sieving device.

In yet another example, a computer-implemented method is described. Themethod includes causing an actuation system to cycle between a firstelevation and a second elevation to cyclically submerge a sieve surfaceof a sieving device in a liquid held within a basin. A population ofinsects present in the liquid is separated into a first group of insectsand a second group of insects as a result of the cycling. The methodalso includes causing a valve to open to drain the liquid from thebasin. The first group of insects is disposed in the liquid. The methodalso includes causing the actuation system to move the sieving devicefrom a first position over the basin to a second position other thanover the basin. The second group of insects is disposed in the sievingdevice.

In yet another example, a system is described. The system includes aseparation station, a rinse station, and an actuation system. Theseparation station includes a sieving device, a first basin, and a fillnozzle. The sieving device includes a sieve surface including a firstside and a second side. A set of elongate openings is formed in thesieve surface. The sieving device also includes a sieve rim attached tothe sieve surface and forming a wall portion of the sieving device. Thesieve surface forms a bottom portion of the sieving device. The firstbasin is sized to receive the sieving device and to retain a volume ofliquid. The fill nozzle is disposed adjacent to the first basin andcontrollable to add first liquid to the first basin. The rinse stationincludes a second basin sized to receive the sieving device. The rinsestation includes a spray nozzle disposed adjacent to the second basinand controllable to spray second liquid toward the second basin. Theactuation system is attached to the sieving device. The actuation systemis configured to move the sieving device between a first position withinthe first basin and a second position within the first basin. Theactuation system is also configured to move the sieving device between athird position adjacent to the first basin and a fourth positionadjacent to the second basin.

The illustrative examples are mentioned not to limit or define the scopeof this disclosure, but rather to provide examples to aid understandingthereof. Illustrative examples are discussed in the DetailedDescription, which provides further description. Advantages offered byvarious examples may be further understood by examining thisspecification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more certain examples and,together with the description of the example, serve to explain theprinciples and implementations of the certain examples.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sieving apparatus, accordingto at least one example.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a sieving device for use in thesieving apparatus from FIG. 1, according to at least one example.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a sieve surface, according to at leastone example.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of the sieve surface from FIG. 3,according to at least one example.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an example mosquito pupa that can beseparated using a sieving device as described herein, according to atleast one example.

FIG. 6 illustrates a profile view of an example mosquito pupa that canbe separated using a sieving device as described herein, according to atleast one example.

FIG. 7 illustrates a profile view of an example mosquito pupa that canbe separated using a sieving device as described herein, according to atleast one example.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a mosquito pupa passing through anopening of a sieve surface, according to at least one example.

FIG. 9 illustrates a mosquito pupa aligned in a first orientation withrespect an opening, according to at least one example.

FIG. 10 illustrates a mosquito pupa aligned in a second orientation withrespect an opening, according to at least one example.

FIG. 11 illustrates a mosquito pupa aligned in a first orientation withrespect an opening, according to at least one example.

FIG. 12 illustrates a mosquito pupa aligned in a second orientation withrespect an opening, according to at least one example.

FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed view of an example state of the sievingapparatus from FIG. 1, according to at least one example.

FIG. 14 illustrates a detailed view of an example state of the sievingapparatus from FIG. 1, according to at least one example.

FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed view of an example state of the sievingapparatus from FIG. 1, according to at least one example.

FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed view of an example state of the sievingapparatus from FIG. 1, according to at least one example.

FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed view of an example state of the sievingapparatus from FIG. 1, according to at least one example.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example process for separating a population ofpupae based on size, according to at least one example.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example process for separating a population ofpupae based on size, according to at least one example.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example computer system, according to at leastone example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples are described herein in the context of sieving apparatusesutilizing sieving devices for use in separation of mosquito pupae. Thoseof ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following descriptionis illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Forexample, the sieving apparatus described herein can be used to separateany insects having an aqueous pupal stage. The sieving apparatus may beused with sieving devices having different characteristics to enableseparation of other organic and inorganic materials. Reference will nowbe made in detail to implementations of examples as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be usedthroughout the drawings and the following description to refer to thesame or like items.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theexamples described herein are shown and described. It will, of course,be appreciated that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application- and business-related constraints, and that thesespecific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from onedeveloper to another.

In an illustrative example, a sieving apparatus for separation of pupaeis described. The sieving apparatus includes a support frame and a setof components attached to the support frame. These components include afunnel basin, a rinse basin, a sieving device, a drainage systemconnected to the funnel basin, and an actuation system attached to thesieving device. The actuation system is configured to adjust theposition and orientation of the sieving device with respect to the twobasins as part of a process for separating pupae. The sieving deviceincludes a sieve held within a rim. Together the sieve and the rim froma box-like structure, with the sieve forming the bottom of the box-likestructure. The sieve includes a series of elongate openings. Eachelongate opening is defined by a length corresponding to a longitudinalaxis and a width corresponding to a transverse axis. A value of thewidth is selected to correspond to a smallest dimension of acephalothorax of a representative pupa to be separated. For example, toseparate male pupae from female pupae, a value of the width can beselected that is smaller than the cephalothoraxes of all females of agiven population and larger than the cephalothoraxes of most, if notall, males of the same population. The elongate shape of the openingsclosely corresponds to how the pupae naturally orient in still water.When the water is drained through the elongate openings, those pupaealready in this natural orientation remain so and those that are not areoriented by the flowing water. Sizing the elongate openings tocorrespond to the size and natural orientation of the pupae can resultin high separation rates. Additionally, high separation rates arepossible because, unlike mesh sieves, the sieve surface is designed toinclude smooth transitions between the elongate openings. This resultsin fewer pupae becoming entangled, e.g., by their paddles or otherphysiological structures, with the openings.

To begin the separation process, water is added to the funnel basin andthe actuation system is instructed to lower the sieving device into thewater. The population including males and females are added to the waterthat is within the rim of the sieving device (e.g., within the box-likestructure). The actuation system is instructed to vertically lower andraise the sieving device into and out of the water to draw the pupaedown on to the sieve. Using this “dunking” action, most of the malepupae can pass through any one of the elongate openings, while most ofthe female pupae are prevented from passing because of their largercephalothoraxes. Because the sieve rim is never fully submerged duringthe dunking, most female pupae remain within the rim and most male pupaemove into the water outside the rim. After dunking, the actuation systemis instructed to move the sieving device toward the rinse basin. At therinse basin, the sieving device is rotated and the female pupae areflushed from the sieving device. Meanwhile, the water from the funnelbasin is drained and the male pupae, which moved into the water throughthe sieve during the dunking action, are removed from the drainagesystem through flushing. In some examples, because of the automationdescribed herein, the sieving apparatus may enable separation ofhundreds of thousands of pupae per hour.

This illustrative example is given to introduce the reader to thegeneral subject matter discussed herein and the disclosure is notlimited to this example. The following sections describe variousadditional non-limiting examples of sieving apparatuses includingsieving devices.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of asieving apparatus 1000, according to at least one example. The sievingapparatus 1000 includes a frame 1002, an actuation system 1004, a funnelbasin system 1006, and a rinse basin system 1008. The sieving apparatus1000 can be included as a single station within a process flow thatincludes upstream and downstream processes. The sieving apparatus 1000along with the upstream and/or downstream processes can be automatedusing computer control such as by a computer system 1005. The computersystem 1005 can be local to the sieving apparatus 1000, remote from thesieving apparatus 1005, and/or distributed between a remote location andthe sieving apparatus 1000. For example, the computer system 1005 can bea remote computing device 1009 that computer interacts with a localcontrol unit 1007 of the sieving apparatus 1000 via a network. In thismanner, the remote computing device 1009 can provide instructions to thelocal control 1007 unit for execution. The computer system 1005 can alsoprovide other instructions to other machines and devices locatedupstream and downstream from the sieving apparatus 1000. The remotecomputing device 1009 is described in detail with reference to FIG. 20.

The local control unit 1007 may include a processing device such as amicroprocessor, a digital signal processor (“DSP”), anapplication-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), field programmablegate arrays (“FPGAs”), state machines, or other processing means. Suchprocessing means may further include programmable electronic devicessuch as PLCs, programmable interrupt controllers (“PICs”), programmablelogic devices (“PLDs”), programmable read-only memories (“PROMs”),electronically programmable read-only memories (“EPROMs” or “EEPROMs”),or other similar devices.

The processing device may include, or may be in communication with, thememory. The memory includes computer-readable storage media, that maystore instructions that, when executed by the processing device, causethe processing device to perform the functions described herein ascarried out, or assisted, by the processing device. Examples ofcomputer-readable media may include, but are not limited to a memorychip, Read Only Memory (“ROM”), Random Access Memory (“RAM”), ASIC, orany other storage means from which a processing device can read or writeinformation.

The components of each of the actuation system 1004, the funnel basinsystem 1006, and the rinse basin system 1008 are attached to andsupported by the frame 1002. The frame 1002 may be formed in anysuitable manner and from any suitable material so as to providestructural support for the systems 1004, 1006, and 1008. For example,the frame 1002 may be formed from metal tubing (e.g., steel, aluminum,etc.) that is welded, bolted, or otherwise attached together. In someexamples, the systems 1004, 1006, and 1008 are not attached to the sameframe 1002. For example, the funnel basin system 1006 and the rinsebasin system 1008 can be disposed at adjacent stations in the processflow and the actuation system 1004 can move between the adjacentstations to perform the techniques described herein.

Beginning with the actuation system 1004, the actuation system 1004 inthis example includes a sieving device 100, a rotational actuator 1010,a lifting actuator 1012, and a lateral actuator 1014. Together therotational actuator 1010, the lifting actuator 1012, and the lateralactuator 1014 manipulate spatial position and orientation of the sievingdevice 100 with respect to the funnel basin system 1006 and the rinsebasin system 1008. For example, as described in detail herein, thelifting actuator 1012 moves the sieving device 100 vertically, thelateral actuator 1014 moves the sieving device 100 horizontally, and therotational actuator 1010 rotates the sieving device 100.

The funnel basin system 1006 includes a funnel basin 1016 and a drainagesystem 1018 that includes a first valve 1020 a, a drain manifold 1022,and a second valve 1020 b. The funnel basin 1016 can have any suitableshape and size other than the cylindrical shape shown. At a minimum, thefunnel basin 1016 is sized to receive the sieving device 100 and hold avolume of liquid in which the sieving device 100 can be partiallysubmerged. For example, the funnel basin 1016 can be filled with waterand the lifting actuator 1012 can move the sieving device 100 verticallyinto and out of the funnel basin 1016 as part of a sieving action toseparate a population of pupae.

In some examples, the funnel basin 1016 includes a bottom that slopestoward a drain disposed at the center of the bottom. The drain is theattachment point between the funnel basin 1016 and the drainage system1018. The valves 1020 are controllable to selectively direct fluid fromthe funnel basin 1016. For example, with the second valve 1020 b closed,the first valve 1020 a can be opened and fluid can be drained from thefunnel basin 1016 via the drain manifold 1022. Because the drainmanifold 1022 includes a perforated drain tube 1024, small debris suchas pupae present in the liquid will be captured inside the perforateddrain tube 1024. The second valve 1020 b can then be opened to accessthe debris remaining in the perforated drain tube 1024. In someexamples, a second volume of liquid is drained through the drainagesystem 1018 with both valves 1020 open. This second volume of liquidfunctions to flush the drainage system 1018, including any additionaldebris present in the perforated drain tube 1024.

The rinse basin system 1008 includes a rinse basin 1026, a rinse nozzle1028, and a spill ramp 1030. The rinse basin 1026 can be any suitablebasin having any suitable size. In some examples, the rinse basin 1026includes a drain that empties to sewer system, a biological wastecollection system, a specimen collection receptacle, or any othersuitable location. When separating a population of pupae, the group ofundesirable pupae can be rinsed off of the sieving device 100 and intothe rinse basin 1026. This can be achieved by the lateral actuator 1014moving the sieving device 100 from a position over the funnel basin 1016to a position over the rinse basin 1026. At this point, the rotationalactuator 1010 rotates the sieving device 100 and the rinse nozzle 1028sprays a liquid such as water on the sieving device 100 to spray off thepupae. If a specimen collection receptacle is being used, these pupaecan also be collected. The spill ramp 1030 helps to avoid contaminationby directing any spilled water (e.g., that may drop out of sievingdevice 100) toward the rinse basin 1026.

The sieving apparatus 1000 can include any suitable sensors to managethe operation of the components of the sieving apparatus 1000. Forexample, position sensors, e.g. rotational encoders, variable resistors,etc., may be used to sense the position of the actuation system 1004.Ultrasonic sensors may be used to sense a water level in the funnelbasin 1016. These sensors can provide sensor data (e.g., output) to thecomputer system 1005.

Details of the sieving device 100 will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 2-12. Referring first to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 illustrates aperspective view of the sieving device 100, according to at least oneexample. The sieving device 100 includes a sieve surface 102 held withina sieve rim 104. The sieve rim 104 includes a plurality of walls 104a-104 d that together define a volume having a rectangular crosssection. In some examples, the sieve rim 104 defines a non-rectangularperimeter (e.g., round, triangular, and any other suitablenon-rectangular shape). Irrespective of the shape of the perimeter, thesieve rim 104 can function to funnel or otherwise direct a liquid (e.g.,water) through the sieve surface 102. As the sieving device 100 can besized for manual use (e.g., 6″×6″ square) in some examples, the sieverim 104 also provides an area whereby an operator can manually grasp andmanipulate the sieving device 100. For example, the operator can use herhands to grasp the sieve rim 104 to manipulate the sieving device 100(e.g., dunking the sieve surface 102 into and out of a water containerto separate pupae). The sieving device 100 can also be sized forautomated use, which may be smaller, larger, or the same size as themanual size. The sieving device 100 can also include an attachmentlocation 107. For example, the attachment location 107 can be used toattach the actuation system 1004 to the sieve rim 104 (e.g., via therotational actuator 1010). The sieving device 100 also includes a set offeet 105. The feet 105 are attached to the sieve rim 104 and canfunction to space the sieve surface 102 of off a bottom of a containeror other surface. The sieve surface 102 also includes a series ofopenings 106 which are described in detail with reference to laterfigures.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the sieve surface 102, according to atleast one example. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sieve surface 102 canbe held within a sieve frame 108. The sieve frame 108 includes aplurality of members 108 a-108 d that together define a rectangularperimeter. In some examples, the sieve frame 108 has a non-rectangularperimeter. In any event, the cross section of the sieve rim 104 and thecross section of the sieve frame 108 can correspond to enable mountingof the sieve frame 108 within the sieve rim 104. The sieve frame 108also provides rigidity to the sieve surface 102. In some examples, sieveframes 108 having different sieve surfaces 102 (e.g., different sizedopenings) can be detachably mounted to the same sieve rim 104, dependingon the implementation. For example, a kit can include multiple sievesurfaces 102 having different sized openings 106 that can beindependently detachably mounted to the sieve rim 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the openings 106 can be organized into aseries of rows 110 a-110 n including a plurality of openings 106. A fewof the rows are labeled (e.g., 110 a and 110 b). The openings 106 can berepeated within the rows 110 to form a row pattern. The rows 110 can berepeated within the sieve surface 102 to form a sieve surface pattern.The number and dimensions of the rows 110 can be a product of thedimensions of the openings 106, spacing between the openings 106, andthe material used to form the sieve surface 102. In some examples, asingle row 110 including a plurality of openings 106 is provided. Inthis example, the single row 110 can extend transversely between members108 b and 108 d. The openings 106 of this single row 110 can extendlongitudinally between members 108 a and 108 c.

In some examples, the sieve surface 102 is formed by a plurality ofelongate rods laid out between the members 110 b and 110 d. The ends ofthese rods can extend between the members 108 a and 108 c and be held inplace by these members 108 a and 108 c. In this example, the openings106 can be formed between individual ones of the plurality of elongaterods.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of the sieve surface 102, accordingto at least one example. The sieve surface 102 can be defined as havingthe openings 106, a few of which are labeled. Each opening 106 can havea generally elongate cross section. For example, as illustrated withrespect to opening 106 a, the cross section can be defined by a lengthdimension 111 measured along a longitudinal axis 112 a of the opening106 a and a width dimension 113 measured along a transverse axis 114 aof the opening 106 a. The length dimension 111 can be greater than thewidth dimension 113. As described in detail herein, a generally elongatecross section can enable selection of a smaller width dimension 113corresponding to the smallest dimension of cephalothorax as compared tosquare mesh sieves, which are generally sized to the largest dimensionof the cephalothorax.

A value of the width dimension 113 can be dependent on the goals of aseparation program and characteristics of pupae to be separated. Forexample, populations of Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitos canbe separated. As described herein, the sieving device 100 can be used toseparate any species of insect that has an aquatic pupal phase. In someexamples, the value of the width dimension 113 may range from 800microns to 1500 microns, which may be appropriate for separatingmosquitos. Values larger than 1500 microns and smaller than 800 micronsmay be appropriate for other insect species. In a particular example,the value of the width dimension 113 can be about 1200 microns. A valueof the length dimension 111 can also be dependent on the goals of theseparation program and characteristics of the pupae to be separated. Forexample, the value of the length dimension 111 may range from 2500microns to many millimeters (e.g., 12 millimeters). For example, in theexample illustrated in FIG. 3, the value of the length dimension 111 isabout 10 times greater than the value of the width dimension 113. Insome examples, the value of the length dimension 111 can be arbitrarilyselected so long as it is greater than a largest cross-sectionaldimension (e.g., tip to tail) of a typical pupa which is expected topass through the opening 106 a. Because the width dimension 113 is sizedto correspond to a different smaller dimension of the typical pupa, thelength dimension 111 will be larger than the width dimension 113.

The rows 110 can be spaced in accordance with a row dimension 116. Forexample, row 110 m including the openings 106 a, 106 b can be spacedapart from row 110 n including the openings 106 c, 106 d by the rowdimension 116. A value of the row dimension 116 may range from 1000microns to 3000 microns. In some examples, the value of the rowdimension 116 is much greater than 3000 microns. The openings 106 can bespaced in accordance with a space dimension 118. For example, theopening 106 a can be spaced apart from the opening 106 b by the spacedimension 118. A value of the space dimension 118 may range from about500 microns to 3000 microns. In some examples, the value of the spacedimension 118 is much greater than 3000 microns. Depending on the valueof the row dimension 116, the value of the space dimension 118, thevalue of the length dimension 111, and the value of the width dimension113, an example sieve surface 102 may have between 5-30 openings 106 persquare inch. In some examples, the value of the row dimension 116, thevalue of the space dimension 118, the value of the length dimension 111,and the value of the width dimension 113 are selected to providesufficient rigidity to the sieving device 100 and a suitable fraction ofopen area to solid structure (e.g., openings 106 compared to rigidportion of the sieve surface 102), while still preventing entanglementwith the pupae.

In some examples, the values of the row dimension 116 and the spacedimension 118 are selected to minimize a ratio of solid area to openarea across the sieve surface 102. Thus, by placing the openings 106close together (e.g., a small value of the space dimension 118) andplacing the rows 110 close together (e.g., small value of the rowdimension 116), a greater quantity of openings 106 and rows 110 can beformed in the sieve surface 102. This can provide for increasedthroughput and increased yield in a separation program.

In some examples, the values of the row dimension 116 and the spacedimension 118 depends on the material selected for the sieve surface 102and the forming method. The sieve surface 102 can be formed from anysuitable material such as metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, acrylic, andother materials having similar properties. The forming technique used toform the sieve surface 102 will depend on the material selected. Exampleforming techniques include, but are not limited to, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, photochemical etching, punching, die cutting, milling,additive manufacturing (e.g., three-dimensional printing), molding,casting, stamping, and other similar techniques.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 respectively illustrate a side view, a first profileview, and a second profile view of an example mosquito pupa 400 that canbe separated using the sieving device 100, according to variousexamples. The mosquito pupa 400 includes a cephalothorax 402 and anabdomen 404. When in the pupal stage, the mosquito pupa 400 uses itsabdomen 404, including a distal portion 404 a, as a flipper to movethrough water 408. The cephalothorax 402 also includes eyes 406, one ofwhich is illustrated and labeled. In the profile view illustrated inFIG. 5, the mosquito pupa 400 can be defined by a cephalothorax width410 and an overall length 412. In the profile view illustrated in FIG.6, the mosquito pupa 400 can also be defined by the cephalothorax height414. Based on the physiological structures of the pupae (e.g., themosquito pupa 400), the cephalothorax width 410 will be less than theoverall length 412. In some examples, the cephalothorax height 414 isgreater than the cephalothorax width 410. Thus, the cephalothorax width410 can represent the narrowest dimension of the largest part (e.g., thecephalothorax 402) of the mosquito pupa 400.

As introduced herein, the value of the length dimension 111 of theopenings 106 can be selected based on the overall length 412. For agiven pupal population, a minimum value for the length dimension 111should be greater than the overall length 412 of the largest pupa in thepopulation. In some examples, a value of the length dimension 111 ismuch greater the overall length 412 of the largest pupa (e.g., an orderof magnitude of 10 to 100 times greater).

As introduced herein, the value of the width dimension 113 of theopenings 106 can be selected based on the cephalothorax width 410. Forexample, assume for a moment that a goal of a separation program is toseparate male mosquito pupae from female mosquito pupae. In thisexample, if an example male population has an average cephalothoraxwidth 410 of 1100 microns and an example female population has anaverage cephalothorax width 410 of 1400 microns. Given this differenceof 300 microns between the average cephalothorax widths and given adifference of about 50 microns between a female mosquito with thesmallest cephalothorax width 410 (e.g., 1250 microns) in the femalepopulation and a male mosquito pupa with the largest cephalothorax width410 (e.g., 1200 microns) in the male population, a value for the widthdimension 113 can be selected to give a high probability of separation.In this example, a value of 1200-1225 microns for the width dimension113 can be suitable.

In the view illustrated in FIG. 5, the mosquito pupa 400 is oriented ina natural orientation, one in which the mosquito pupa 400 will naturallyorient when located within the water 408. In this orientation, themosquito pupa 400 is able to obtain oxygen at the surface of the water408 via respiratory trumpets (not shown) that extend from an upperportion of the cephalothorax 402 (e.g., near the upper surface of thewater 408). This orientation may be referred to as a “tail downorientation” because the distal portion 404 a of the abdomen 404 (e.g.,a tail) points down.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the mosquito pupa 400 passing throughthe opening 106 in the sieve surface 102, according to at least oneexample. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the mosquito pupa 400 isoriented in the tail down orientation as the mosquito pupa 400 passesthrough the opening 106.

FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively illustrate a first mosquito pupa 400 a in afirst orientation and a second orientation with respect an opening 106,according to various examples. In particular, the first mosquito pupa400 a is shown passing through the opening 106. This is because thecephalothorax width 410 of a first cephalothorax 402 a is less than avalue of the width dimension 113. The first orientation of the firstmosquito pupa 400 a illustrated in FIG. 9 is an example of the tail downorientation illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9. The second orientation of thefirst mosquito pupa 400 a illustrated in FIG. 10 is an example of a tailup orientation. This may constitute a rotation of about 180 degrees.

FIGS. 11 and 12 respectively illustrate a second mosquito pupa 400 b ina first orientation and a second orientation with respect an opening106, according to various examples. In particular, the second mosquitopupa 400 b is shown as being prevented from passing the opening 106.This is because the cephalothorax width 410 of a second cephalothorax402 b is greater than a value of the width dimension 113. The firstorientation of the second mosquito pupa 400 b illustrated in FIG. 11 isan example of the tail down orientation illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7.The second orientation of the second mosquito pupa 400 b illustrated inFIG. 12 is an example of the tail up orientation. This may constitute arotation of about 180 degrees.

In some examples, the openings 106 of the sieve surface 102 are sizedsuch that the first mosquito pupae 400 a can pass through the openings106 and the second mosquito pupa 400 b are prevented from passingthrough the openings 106. For example, the first mosquito pupae 400 amay be male pupae and the second mosquito pupae 400 b may be femalepupae. In some examples, the first mosquito pupae 400 a is a first setof male (or female) pupae and the second mosquito pupae 400 b is asecond set of male (or female) pupae.

In some examples, the openings 106 of the sieve surface 102 are sizedsuch that the first mosquito pupae 400 a can pass through the openings106 in any one of the tail down or tail up orientations and the secondmosquito pupae 400 b are prevented from passing through in anyorientation. In some examples, the openings 106 are sized such that thefirst mosquito pupae 400 a may pass through in other orientations aswell (e.g., head down or abdomen down).

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate example states of the sieving apparatus 1000 asthe sieving apparatus performs an automated sieving process, accordingto various examples. Execution of the automated sieving process enablesseparation and downstream processing of a population of pupae such asmosquito pupae. The state changes of the components of the sievingapparatus 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 13-17 may be performed under themanagement of the computer system 1005.

FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed view of an example state 1300 of thesieving apparatus 1000, according to at least one example. In the state1300, the sieving device 100 is disposed vertically above the funnelbasin 1016. The lifting actuator 1012 may include any suitable structureand controls to enable the vertical movement of the sieving device 100described herein. For example, the lifting actuator 1012 may include avertical carrier 1032 attached to the frame 1002 via a vertical rail1034. The rotational actuator 1010 is disposed between and attaches tothe vertical carrier 1032 and the sieving device 100. The verticalcarrier 1032 can include an electric motor (e.g., servomotor) or othersuitable actuator device (e.g., hydraulic actuators, pneumaticactuators, thermal actuators, etc.) configured to move the verticalcarrier 1032 vertically along the vertical rail 1034. In particular, thelifting actuator 1012 may move the sieving device 100 into and out ofthe funnel basin 1016 as part of the sieving process, as illustrated bythe vertical arrow 1036. Operation of the lifting actuator 1012 can bemanaged by the computer system 1005.

As illustrated in the state 1300, the sieving process may includefilling the funnel basin 1016 with a liquid such as water. A fill nozzlemay be disposed adjacent to the funnel basin 1016 in order to dispensethe liquid. In some examples, the fill nozzle is a puck dispensing spoutto enable adding fixed volumes of the liquid. Operation of the fillnozzle can be managed by the computer system 1005. After or before thefunnel basin 1016 has been filled with water or while the funnel basin1016 is being filled with water, the lifting actuator 1012 can beactuated to move the sieving device 100 down toward the funnel basin1016 so as to submerge the sieve surface 102 in the water. A populationof pupae may be added to the sieving device 100 (e.g., within the sieverim 104). The population of pupae may include pupae of different sizes,of different sexes, of different species, and/or any combination of theforegoing. In some examples, the population of pupae includes males andfemales of the same species. A conveyor system or other automatedprocess may add the population of pupae to the sieving device 100.Addition of the population of pupae can be managed by the computersystem 1005. Any suitable number of pupae may be added to the sievingdevice 100. For example, when the sieve rim 104 is about 8″×8″ square,around 6,000 mosquito pupae may be included in the population. In someexamples, the population of pupae are treated with a larvicide prior tobeing added to the sieving device 100. This ensures any larvae stillpresent in the population are dead prior to going through the sievingprocess.

Once the mosquito pupae added, the lifting actuator 1012 can be actuatedbetween two vertical elevations, at one of which the sieve surface 102is submerged in the water and at the other of which the sieve surface102 is removed the water. This action of dunking the sieve surface 102into and out of the water functions to force the pupae into two groups(e.g., a first group that will fit through the sieve surface 102 andremain the water in the funnel basin 1016 and a second group that willnot fit through the sieve surface 102 and remain in the sieving device100). This action can be repeated any suitable number of cycles (e.g.,predetermined, dynamic based on vision or weight, etc.). For example, anoptical system including a camera can output image data as the sievingdevice 100 is dunked. The computer system 1005 processes this image datato determine whether an expected number of pupae have been separated. Insome examples, three cycles are performed. In some examples, a completecycle may take about two seconds (e.g. one second down and one secondup).

In some examples, instead of manipulating the elevation of the sievesurface 102 relative to the water, the water level within the funnelbasin 1016 can be adjusted relative to the sieve surface 102. Forexample, a pump system may circulate the same water into and out of thefunnel basin 1016. In other examples, the pump system may pump out dirtywater and replace the dirty water with clean water. Operation of thepump(s) can be managed by the computer system 1005.

Continuing with the sieving process, as illustrated in the state 1300,the first valve 1020 a can be opened after the sieving action hasfinished. The second valve 1020 b remains closed. Operation of thevalves 1020 can be managed by the computer system 1005. This results inthe water from the funnel basin 1016 emptying through the perforateddrain tube 1024, into the drain manifold 1022, and out of a drainmanifold opening 1038. The first group of pupae that remained in thewater will remain in the perforated drain tube 1024. This is becauseopenings in the perforated drain tube 1024 are sized smaller than thepupae (e.g., less than 900 microns). After the water has drained fromthe funnel basin 1016, a second volume of water is added to the funnelbasin 1016 to continue to rinse the funnel basin 1016 and to furtherconsolidate the first group of pupae into the perforated drain tube1024. After this second volume of water has flushed through the funnelbasin 1016 and the drainage system 1018, the second valve 1020 b isopened to dispense the consolidated first group of pupae into acontainer for downstream processing. With both valves 1020 open, a thirdvolume of water is added to the funnel basin 1016 to further flush thefunnel basin 1016 and the drainage system 1018.

The valves 1020 can be any suitable inline valve such as a ball valve, abutterfly valve, a gate valve, and other similar inline valves. Thevalves 1020 may include actuators 1021 configured to open and close thevalves 1020 in response to a signal (e.g., a control signal from thecomputer system 1005).

FIG. 14 illustrates a detailed view of an example state 1400 of thesieving apparatus 1000, according to at least one example. Between thestates 1300 and 1400, the sieving device 100 has been raised verticallyout of the funnel basin 1016. For example, the lifting actuator 1012 hasraised the sieving device 100. In the state 1400, the second group ofpupae is disposed in the sieve device 100 (e.g., those that could notfit through the sieve surface 102). In the state 1400, the sievingapparatus 1000 is prepared to move the sieving device 100 from aposition over the funnel basin 1016 to a position over the rinse basin1026.

The lateral actuator 1014, for example, can be used to perform thischange in position of the sieving device 100. The lateral actuator 1014may include any suitable structure and controls to enable the lateralmovement (e.g., sideways movement other than vertical which may includehorizontal and/or angled) of the sieving device 100 described herein.For example, the lateral actuator 1014 may include a lateral carrier1040 attached to the frame 1002 via a horizontal rail 1042. In someexamples, the lateral carrier 1040 is attached to the vertical rail 1034of the lifting actuator 1012. In this manner, the vertical rail 1034,the vertical carrier 1032, the rotational actuator 1010, and the sievingdevice 100 all translate laterally (e.g., horizontally) together whenthe lateral actuator 1014 is actuated. The lateral carrier 1040 caninclude an electric motor (e.g., servomotor) or other suitable actuatordevice (e.g., hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, thermalactuators, etc.) configured to move the lateral carrier 1040 laterallyalong the horizontal rail 1042. In particular, the lateral actuator 1014may move the sieving device 100 between the funnel basin 1016 and therinse basin 1026 as part of the sieving process, as illustrated by thehorizontal arrow 1044. Operation of the lateral actuator 1014 can bemanaged by the computer system 1005.

FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed view of an example state 1500 of thesieving apparatus 1000, according to at least one example. Between thestates 1400 and 1500, the sieving device 100 has been translatedhorizontally from a position over the funnel basin 1016 to a positionover the rinse basin 1026. The lateral actuator 1014 causes the movementbetween the states 1400 and 1500.

FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed view of an example state 1600 of thesieving apparatus 1000, according to at least one example. Between thestates 1500 and 1600, the sieving device 100 has been rotated by therotational actuator 1010.

For example, the rotational actuator 1010 can include a shaft by whichthe rotational actuator 1010 is attached to the sieving device 100. Arotational axis may extend through the shaft such that the rotationalactuator 1010 can rotate the sieving device 100 about the rotationalaxis. The rotational actuator 1010 is attached to the vertical carrier1032 and thereby moves vertically and horizontally as the liftingactuator 1012 and the lateral actuator 1014 are actuated. In someexamples, the rotational actuator 1010 is offset laterally from thevertical rail 1034. The rotational actuator 1010 may include anysuitable structure and controls to enable the rotational movement (e.g.,rotation about the rotational axis) of the sieving device 100 describedherein. For example, the rotational actuator 1010 may include anelectric motor (e.g., servomotor) or other suitable actuator device(e.g., hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, thermal actuators,etc.) configured to rotate the sieving device 100 relative to the frame1002 as part of the sieving process, as illustrated by rotational arrows1046. Operation of the rotational actuator 1010 can be managed by thecomputer system 1005.

FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed view of an example state 1700 of thesieving apparatus 1000, according to at least one example. Between thestates 1600 and 1700, the rinse nozzle 1028 has been actuated to beginrinsing the sieving device 100. For example, the rinse nozzle 1028 caninclude a valve and actuator assembly that is controlled by the computersystem 1005. The rinse nozzle 1028 can emit high pressure liquid such aswater in the direction of the sieving device 100. The water functions torinse the second group of pupae of off the sieving device 100. Inparticular, the water rinses the sieve surface 102 and the sieve rim104. The rinsing can be performed for any suitable period time, whichmay be predetermined or dynamic. The pupae of the second group and thewater drains into the rinse basin 1026 and out of drain 1048. In someexamples, the second group of pupae can be transferred to a containerafter they pass through the drain 1048 for further downstreamprocessing. In some examples, the second group of pupae are filteredfrom the rinse water and disposed of

In some examples, the system sieving apparatus 1000 can be used forseparating the first group of pupae and the second group of pupae intoone or more subgroups. For example, sieving devices 100 having sievesurfaces 102 with differently sized openings 106 can be used in sequenceto further refine the separation of the pupae. For example, the secondgroup of pupae which did not pass through the first sieve surface 102can be sieved again using a sieve surface with larger openings than thefirst surface 102. The sieving process can be repeated to sort preciselyby size differential. This process can also be performed in reverse,where the largest sieve surface 102 is used first, and sequentiallymoving to smaller and smaller sieve surfaces 102.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate example flow diagrams showing respectiveprocesses 1800 and 1900, as described herein. These processes 1800 and1900 are illustrated as logical flow diagrams, each operation of whichrepresents a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware,computer instructions, or a combination thereof. In the context ofcomputer instructions, the operations represent computer-executableinstructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that,when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations.Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,objects, components, data structures, and the like that performparticular functions or implement particular data types. The order inwhich the operations are described is not intended to be construed as alimitation, and any number of the described operations can be omitted orcombined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the processes. Theorder in which the operations are described is not intended to beconstrued as a limitation, and any number of the described operationscan be omitted or combined in any order and/or in parallel to implementthe processes.

Additionally, some, any, or all of the processes may be performed underthe control of one or more computer systems configured with executableinstructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executableinstructions, one or more computer programs, or one or moreapplications) executing collectively on one or more processors, byhardware, or combinations thereof. As noted above, the code may bestored on a computer-readable storage medium, for example, in the formof a computer program including a plurality of instructions executableby one or more processors. The computer-readable storage medium isnon-transitory.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example flow diagram illustrating the exampleprocess 1800 for separating a population of pupae based on size,according to at least one example. The process 1800 can be performedusing the sieving apparatus 1000 operating under the management of thecomputer system 1005.

The process 1800 begins at 1802 by instructing addition of a populationof mosquito pupae to a sieving device. In some examples, the sievingdevice is at least partially submerged in water held within a firstbasin. In some examples, instructing addition of the population ofmosquito pupae to the sieving device includes instructing a humanoperator to add the population of mosquito pupae or causing an automateddevice to add the population of mosquito pupae. In some examples, thesieving device includes a sieve rim to which the sieve surface isattached. The sieve rim can form a wall portion of the sieving device.The sieve surface can form a bottom portion of the sieving deviceopposite an open portion of the sieving device.

At 1804, the process 1800 causes a lifting actuator that is attached tothe sieving device to cycle between a first elevation and a secondelevation. Such cycling may cyclically submerge a sieve surface of thesieving device in the water held within the first basin. In someexamples, the population of mosquito pupae is separated into a firstgroup of mosquito pupae and a second group of mosquito pupae based atleast in part on the cycling.

In some examples, the sieve surface includes a first side and a secondside. A set of openings can be formed in the sieve surface so as todefine a set of pathways extending between the first side and the secondside. Individual openings of the set of openings can be defined by alength dimension and a width dimension. The length dimension can bemeasured along a longitudinal axis of a respective opening. The widthdimension can be measured along a transverse axis of the respectiveopening. In some examples, the width dimension of the individualopenings corresponds to a cephalothorax width of a representativemosquito pupa of the population of mosquito pupae. The length dimensioncan be greater than the width dimension

At 1806, the process 1800 causes a valve to open to drain the water fromthe first basin. In some examples, the first group of mosquito pupae isdisposed in the water in the first basin.

In some examples, the valve is a first valve in fluid communication witha second valve via a drain pipe. A portion of the drain pipe can includean opening extending into a manifold. The water can drain via theopening and through the manifold.

In some examples, the process 1800 further includes, after causing thefirst valve to open, causing a second valve to open to obtain access tothe first group of mosquito pupae. In this example, the first group ofmosquito pupae is prevented from passing through the opening.

At 1808, the process 1800 causes a lateral actuator that is attached tothe sieving device to move the sieving device from a first positionadjacent to the first basin to a second position adjacent to a secondbasin. In some examples, the second group of mosquito pupae is disposedin the sieving device.

At 1810, the process 1800 causes a rotational actuator to rotate thesieving device about a rotational axis from a first orientation to asecond orientation. This may be performed when the sieving device is atthe second position. In some examples, in the first orientation, a sievesurface of the sieving device is disposed below an opening of thesieving device. In some examples, in the second orientation, the sievesurface is disposed above the opening of the sieving device.

At 1812, the process 1800 instructs removal of the second group ofmosquito pupae from the sieving device. This may be performed when thesieving device is in the second orientation. In some examples,instructing removal of the second group of mosquito pupae from thesieving device includes causing a rinse nozzle to spray the sievingdevice. The sieving device can be disposed between the rinse nozzle andthe second basin when in the second position.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example flow diagram illustrating the exampleprocess 1900 for separating a population of pupae based on size,according to at least one example. The process 1900 can be performedusing the sieving apparatus 1000 operating under the management of thecomputer system 1005.

The process 1900 begins at 1902 by causing an actuation system that isattached to a sieving device to cycle between a first elevation and asecond elevation. In some examples, this may cyclically submerge a sievesurface of the sieving device in a liquid held within a basin. The basincan be disposed below the sieving device. In some examples, a populationof pupae present in the liquid is separated into a first group of pupaeand a second group of pupae as a result of the cycling.

At 1904, the process 1900 causes a valve to open to drain the liquidfrom the basin. In some examples, the first group of pupae is disposedin the liquid.

At 1906, the process 1900 causes the actuation system to move thesieving device from a first position over the basin to a second positionother than over the basin. In some examples, the second group of pupaeis disposed in the sieving device. In some examples, the basin is afirst basin. In this example, the second position is a position over asecond basin disposed adjacent to the first basin. In this example, whenthe sieving device is at the second position, the process 1900 furtherincludes causing the actuation system to rotate the sieving device abouta rotational axis from a first orientation to a second orientation. Theprocess 1900 further includes, when the sieving device is in the secondorientation, instructing removal of the second group of pupae from thesieving device. In some examples, instructing removal of the secondgroup of pupae includes causing a spray nozzle to spray the sievingdevice to remove the second group of pupae.

In some examples, the process 1900 further includes causing a firstvalve to open to drain the liquid from the basin. The liquid may passthrough a perforated drain tube disposed within a drain manifold priorto draining from the drain manifold. In some examples, the process 1900further includes, after the liquid has drained from the drain manifold,causing a second valve disposed downstream from the perforated draintube to open. In this example, the first group of pupae is located inthe perforated drain tube. In some examples, the process 1900 furtherincludes instructing flushing of the perforated drain tube to move thefirst group of pupae from the perforated drain tube into a containerlocated downstream from the second valve. In some examples, instructingflushing of the perforated drain tube includes, when the second valve isopen causing the first valve to open, and causing a fill nozzle to add adifferent volume of the liquid to the basin.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the computer system 1005, inaccordance with at least one example. The computer system 1005 includesthe local control unit 1007 in communication with the remote computingdevice 1009 via communication link 2006. The remote computing device1009 illustrated in FIG. 20 includes a processor 2002 and a memory 2004.

The processor 2002 may be implemented as appropriate in hardware,computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof.Computer-executable instruction or firmware implementations of theprocessor 2002 may include computer-executable or machine-executableinstructions written in any suitable programming language to perform thevarious functions described.

In some examples, the processor 2002 may include a microprocessor, aDSP, an ASIC, FPGAs, state machines, or other processing means. Suchprocessing means may further include programmable electronic devicessuch as PLCs, PICs, PLDs, PROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, or other similardevices.

The processor 2002 may include, or is in communication with, the memory2004. The memory 2004 includes computer-readable storage media, that maystore instructions that, when executed by the processor 2002, cause theprocessor 2002 to perform the functions described herein as carried out,or assisted, by the processor 202. Examples of computer-readable mediaof the memory 2004 may include, but are not limited to a memory chip,ROM, RAM, ASIC, or any other storage means from which a processingdevice can read or write information. The memory 2004 may store examplemodules.

The communication link 2006 may be a wireless communication link and mayinclude wireless interfaces, such as IEEE 802.11, BlueTooth™, radiofrequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), orradio interfaces for accessing cellular telephone networks (e.g.,transceiver/antenna for accessing a CDMA, GSM, UMTS, or other mobilecommunications network). In some aspects, the communication link 2006may be a wired communication link and may include interfaces, such asEthernet, USB, IEEE 1394, fiber optic interface, voltage signal line, orcurrent signal line. The local control unit 1007 can transmit data tothe remote computing device 1009 via the communication link 2006.Likewise the remote computing device 1009 can transmit data to the localcontrol unit 1007 via the communication link 2006. In this manner, thecomputer system 1005 manages the operation of the sieving apparatus1000.

The foregoing description of some examples has been presented only forthe purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed.Numerous modifications and adaptations thereof will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure.

Reference herein to an example or implementation means that a particularfeature, structure, operation, or other characteristic described inconnection with the example may be included in at least oneimplementation of the disclosure. The disclosure is not restricted tothe particular examples or implementations described as such. Theappearance of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” “in oneimplementation,” or “in an implementation,” or variations of the same invarious places in the specification does not necessarily refer to thesame example or implementation. Any particular feature, structure,operation, or other characteristic described in this specification inrelation to one example or implementation may be combined with otherfeatures, structures, operations, or other characteristics described inrespect of any other example or implementation.

Use herein of the word “or” is intended to cover inclusive and exclusiveOR conditions. In other words, A or B or C includes any or all of thefollowing alternative combinations as appropriate for a particularusage: A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B only; A and C only; B and Conly; and all three of A and B and C.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: instructing addition of a population of mosquito pupae to a sieving device, the sieving device at least partially submerged in a water held within a first basin; causing a lifting actuator that is attached to the sieving device to cycle between a first elevation and a second elevation so as to cyclically submerge a sieve surface of the sieving device in the water held within the first basin, wherein the population of mosquito pupae is separated into a first group of mosquito pupae and a second group of mosquito pupae based at least in part on the cycling; causing a valve to open to drain the water from the first basin, the first group of mosquito pupae disposed in the water; causing a lateral actuator that is attached to the sieving device to move the sieving device from a first position adjacent to the first basin to a second position adjacent to a second basin, the second group of mosquito pupae disposed in the sieving device; when the sieving device is at the second position, causing a rotational actuator to rotate the sieving device about a rotational axis between a first orientation and a second orientation; and when the sieving device is in the second orientation, instructing removal of the second group of mosquito pupae from the sieving device.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the sieve surface comprises a first side and a second side, wherein a set of openings is formed in the sieve surface so as to define a set of pathways extending between the first side and the second side, individual openings of the set of openings defined by: a length dimension measured along a longitudinal axis of the respective opening; and a width dimension measured along a transverse axis of a respective opening, the length dimension greater than the width dimension.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein a value of the width dimension of the individual openings is less than a cross-sectional cephalothorax width of a representative female mosquito pupa of the second group of mosquito pupae.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein instructing addition of the population of mosquito pupae to the sieving device comprises instructing a human operator to add the population of mosquito pupae or causing an automated device to add the population of mosquito pupae.
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein instructing removal of the second group of mosquito pupae from the sieving device comprises causing a rinse nozzle to spray the sieving device, the sieving device disposed between the rinse nozzle and the second basin when in the second position.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein: the valve is a first valve in fluid communication with a second valve via a drain pipe, a portion of the drain pipe comprising an opening extending into a manifold, the water draining via the opening and through the manifold; and the method further comprises, after causing the first valve to open, causing a second valve to open to obtain access to the first group of mosquito pupae, the first group of mosquito pupae prevented from passing through the opening.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the sieving device comprises a sieve rim to which the sieve surface is attached, the sieve rim forming a wall portion of the sieving device, with the sieve surface forming a bottom portion of the sieving device opposite an open portion of the sieving device.
 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein: in the first orientation, the sieve surface is disposed below the open portion; and in the second orientation, the sieve surface is disposed above the open portion.
 9. A computer-implemented method, comprising: causing an actuation system to cycle between a first elevation and a second elevation to cyclically submerge a sieve surface of a sieving device in a liquid held within a basin, wherein a population of insects present in the liquid is separated into a first group of insects and a second group of insects as a result of the cycling; causing a valve to open to drain the liquid from the basin, the first group of insects disposed in the liquid; and causing the actuation system to move the sieving device from a first position over the basin to a second position other than over the basin, the second group of insects disposed in the sieving device.
 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein an upper portion of a sieve frame of the sieving device is not submerged in the liquid while the sieving surface is cyclically submerged in the liquid.
 11. The computer-implemented method of claim of claim 10, wherein the second group of insects remain within the sieve frame while the sieving surface is cyclically submerged in the liquid.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein: the basin is a first basin; and the second position is a position over a second basin disposed adjacent to the first basin.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, further comprising: when the sieving device is at the second position, causing the actuation system to rotate the sieving device about a rotational axis from a first orientation to a second orientation; and when the sieving device is in the second orientation, instructing removal of the second group of insects from the sieving device.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein instructing removal of the second group of insects comprises causing a spray nozzle to spray the sieving device to remove the second group of insects.
 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising: causing a first valve to open to drain the liquid from the basin, the liquid passing through a perforated drain tube disposed within a drain manifold prior to draining from the drain manifold; after the liquid has drained from the drain manifold, causing a second valve disposed downstream from the perforated drain tube to open, the first group of insects located in the perforated drain tube; and instructing flushing of the perforated drain tube to move the first group of insects from the perforated drain tube and into a container located downstream from the second valve.
 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein instructing flushing of the perforated drain tube comprises, with the second valve open: causing the first valve to open; and causing a fill nozzle to add a different volume of the liquid to the basin. 